What causes it?
The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum, skin that is not creating or replenishing enough sebum can become dry. Dry skin can be itchy, and it may look flaky and bumpy or have red patches. Dehydrated skin lacks water and appears dull or rough. Some potential causes of dry or dehydrated skin on the face include:
- cold weather and dry air
- exposure to harsh chemicals in soaps or other products
- washing the skin excessively
- unbalanced skin pH
- skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis
- diabetes
- hypothyroidism
- smoking
- spending too much time in direct sunlight

6 TIPS  to HELP

1. Moisturize daily
Moisturizers, ointments, and creams improve the skin’s natural barrier function, which promotes water retention. Moisturizing overnight can provide extra benefits. A person can apply moisturizer to their face before bed and wash it off with a gentle cleanser in the morning. Many different moisturizers are available and can take some trial and error for a person to find the best one for their skin type. We have samples of Eminence and Esthederm to help you figure out what works for you.
 

2. Use a gentle cleanser
Soaps that contain fragrances, colors, and other chemicals can irritate and dry out the skin. It is generally better to opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers or facial soaps and to avoid products that contain alcohols, artificial colors, and plastics.
Ingredients to avoid include:
sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
those that derive from mineral oil, including petroleum and paraffin
parabens
diethanolamine (DEA)
monoethanolamine (MEA)
triethanolamine (TEA)


3. Exfoliate to remove excess dry skin
A person can remove excess dry skin by exfoliating. The skin naturally makes new cells and sheds old cells, typically replacing itself within about a month. When dead skin cells become stuck on the surface, people may notice dry patches and clogged pores. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, which can reduce dry patches and improve the skin’s overall texture. Exfoliation can be mechanical or chemical.
Chemical exfoliators include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
AHAs dissolve dead cells on the surface of the skin while BHAs penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to remove dead cells from pores. Both AHAs and BHAs increase cellular turnover, which helps keep the skin soft and supple.
A person should avoid exfoliating every day as this can irritate and dry out the skin. Applying a good moisturizer immediately after exfoliating will help lock in moisture.

4. Practice cooler bathing habits
It is best to use warm, not hot, water when bathing or washing the face because hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. After bathing or washing the face, people should immediately apply a moisturizer to help lock in moisture.


5. Use a humidifier
Constantly running air conditioning (AC) and central heating units indoors removes moisture from the air and the skin.
A person with dry facial skin may wish to try limiting their use of AC and heating or start using a humidifier to add some moisture to the air indoors.

6. Medication
For people who have skin conditions or those who have dehydrated skin that does not respond to conventional treatments you may need to see a skincare specialist, known as a dermatologist, or another healthcare professional who may prescribe a topical ointment or cream. The type of medication will vary depending on the cause of the dry skin. Medications commonly contain hydrocortisone, a steroid that helps keep the skin hydrated.
 

An Ounce of Prevention

- Wearing sunscreen every day can prevent dry skin on the face.
- washing the face daily with a gentle cleanser
- applying moisturizer after bathing or washing the face
- using warm, not hot, water when washing the face and bathing
- staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- limiting caffeine intake
- limiting time in direct sunlight
- avoiding artificial tanning
- using a humidifier
- quitting smoking, if necessary